Where to eat in the European Quarter?

In neighbourhoods where cultures mix and you hear many different languages, the mouth-watering scents of diverse cuisines are never far away. This is certainly the case in Brussels' European Quarter. It is teeming with delicious addresses. Fancy a quick bite? Or would you rather dine in style? In this neighbourhood you will find the best of both worlds. In the mood for one of the best chip shops in the city, an authentic pizzeria or even a gourmet restaurant? You name it, you’ll find it here. Check out our selection of restaurants in Brussels' European Quarter.

Look carefully at the blackboard on the wall at Origine, as here you have to choose in threes (cold, lukewarm, hot and meat, fish, vegetables). The products are ultra-fresh and evoke the roots of the flavours. But 'Origine' in French also means original. Chef Xavier Lizen introduces you to surprising combinations. This popular, convivial and casual address is near place Jourdan.

This restaurant on place Jourdan exudes class and elegance. If you like traditional French dining, you've come to the right place. Stirwen (Breton for 'white star'), stands for classic, neat and refined and you can see that in its interior. Chef François-Xavier Lambory cooks with technical precision and respect for his produce. Exactly what you expect from a classic, classy establishment.

This is a small but super-authentic address, a stone's throw from the Berlaymont building. Casa Italiana is a grocery shop where you will find excellent Italian produce. They also sell pre-prepared dishes. While you're there, why not take a seat at one of the few tables to taste the fantastic pasta, unique vitello tonnato or unforgettable parmigiano? It’s a delightful family-run restaurant where you'll feel right at home.

Long before every street corner had a fast-food sushi shop, Espace Sushi set up shop at place Jourdan. They didn’t dwell too long on the name and what you see is what you get. A real, Japanese family restaurant with refined sushi, sashimi and maki dishes. Order a delicious meal here in a sober but extremely cosy and friendly setting.

Brussels is the continent's most cosmopolitan city. You can tell that from the range of restaurants in our city. It doesn't get any more authentically Brussels than at Kitchen 151. Moroccan cuisine fuses with Middle Eastern cuisine under a European sauce seasoned with African spices. All of this, prepared, with a contemporary touch, by chef Simona El-Hara. On Saturdays, they even serve brunch! 

Do you like pure and casual? Then Le tournant on chaussée de Wavre is for you. No far-fetched combinations or complicated formulas here. Just genuine, spontaneous, simple and generous cuisine that follows the seasons. The ingredients are all locally sourced. Be sure to order a glass from the excellent selection of natural wines.

Kokuban is proof that Japanese food culture is more than just sushi and sashimi. In this spacious but cosy restaurant near Leopold Park, noodles play the leading role. The ramen tastes exactly like it does in the land of the rising sun. It’s no coincidence that the Japanese embassy is nearby. Be sure to try a typical Japanese sake with some finger food. 

For a quick but tasty bite, be sure to pop into takeaway snack bar Mine Madeh on place Jourdan. It’s a successful concept from the man who taught brought Syrian food to Brussels. Here, Georges Baghdi Sar, known for My Tannour and Kamoun, treats you to a typical Syrian meat preparation served with lots of vegetables in delicious pizza-like bread. The vegetarian option with halloumi or falafel are just as mouth-watering!

The world's most famous chip shop is on place Jourdan in Etterbeek. Maison Antoine has welcomed people every day until late for excellent golden yellow, thick, crispy chips for three generations now. The chip shop has since been transformed into a stylish chalet, but the chips are as tasty and delicious as ever. Looking for a place to eat them? No problem. Most cafes on the square welcome you with your portion.

It’s not Argentine or Chilean but Bolivian empanadas that are the best, so they claim at Empanadas. You can’t eat on site, but you can take away or order. You can choose between carne (meat), pollo (chicken) or veggie, with egg, peas and onion to go with it. All wrapped up in a thin, home-made dough. Don't forget to ask for some delicious chimichurri on the side.

Did you know that Brussels is home to some of the best pizzerias in the world? La Pizza è Bella in the Sablon district invariably appears in international charts, so it was high time a gourmet version opened in the European Quarter. At La Pizza è Bella Gourmet, they do everything possible to honour Neapolitan pizza tradition. That involves never deviating, under any circumstances, from the traditional ingredients and techniques. They do, however, know how to take that tradition to new, culinary and creative heights here.